We drove
the 2005 Tundra Double Cab with the new transmission and extra horsepower
during a brief run over the coastline roads of Alaska. The Double Cab
weighs about 200 pounds more than an Access Cab, so the extra horsepower
was welcomed in passing situations. Toyota picked up the extra ponies
through a number of improvements, including variable valve timing and
a new intake manifold that alters the length of the intake runners in
two stages with a set of butterfly valves. At low rpm, the runners are
long for more torque but at higher rpm the runners are short for extra
horsepower. Even with the extra horsepower, Toyota says the Tundra will
have improved fuel economy but didn’t release EPA estimates during
briefings with the media. The engine also carries a ULEV-II California
emissions rating.

Most impressive is the new 5-speed automatic transmission, which is also
available in the new Sequoia. The torque converter control and gear selection
were seamless while on twisty canyon roads. Our time was limited in the
2005 Tundra, so we didn’t tow or drive the V6 engine. We can tell
you that the V6 is an all-new engine available only in the Tundra, 4Runner
and 2005 Tacoma—it is not a converted car engine although it is
derived from the 3.0-liter Camry engine architecture. This 60-degree,
24-valve engine gets a new 6-speed manual as its standard running mate.
This tranny has a 4.17:1 First gear and 0.85:1 6th gear overdrive.

For 2005,
Toyota will offer the V6 Access Cab only in 2-wheel-drive. Those who want
4x4 capabilities prefer the V8 by an overwhelming margin, so Toyota dropped
the 4-wheel-drive model. But Toyota has added a V8-powered regular cab
work truck model. It comes with a bench seat, color-keyed grille, chrome
bumper and CD player.

In other 2005 Tundra news, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force
distribution will be standard on all models. Toyota’s Vehicle Stability
Control plus Traction Control (VSC + TRAC) will be available as an option.
The optional side-curtain air bags in the Double Cab get a roll-sensing
feature that deploys the air bags should the vehicle tip over. Another
safety feature is direct tire-pressure monitoring system. On the inside,
the Double Cab can be ordered with a front bench seat if a customer needs
6-passenger seating, and there’s a new instrument panel on the dash.
Also, a navigation system is available on some dome models. Finally, the
Tundra receives minor exterior freshening with new headlamps, taillamps
and 16-inch wheel designs.

We’ll
have more on the 2005 Tundra, including a drive in the V6 model, as soon
as production models become available.